In a homily filed in the archives of the International Miraculous Medal Association, Fr. Agostinho Teixeira de Sousa, CM + begins by reminding us that “God speaks to us in many ways and touches our life with signs that challenge us to be more attentive, and to give an active, generous and total response.” In her apparitions to St. Catherine Labouré, the Blessed Virgin Mary pointed to the altar where the tabernacle was and said, “Come to the foot of this altar. Here, graces will be given to all who ask for them with confidence and fervor.” Catherine’s new mission was to spread this promise of God and Mary to the world. And she went on to carry out half a century of faithful service to the elderly and infirm as a Daughter of Charity. Mary motivates us to encounter her Son in the Eucharist and then, filled with God’s grace, to go out and act concretely.

The English translation of the full homily is adapted as a presentation below.